Randomly choose a date and start reading. Maybe you'll find out what it was like for me in Iraq.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Another easy day, I’m glad. I got worn out after the long day yesterday. I was glad to get a little rest. Granted, the PT this morning was good. I was the PT instructor this morning. I decided to conduct circuit drills. Problem is I didn’t set up the events for each station. I asked my Platoon Sergeant, Bowers, if he would do it for me. He a pretty good guy and I like having him as my Platoon Sergeant. I should have laid out each event to even out between push-ups, sit-up, and cardio workouts. It was my fault, but it was a lesson learned.

The theme of the week is operation security. The commander came up with the theme after some operation security concerns. I won’t mention it here but I didn’t think it was problem. So we reviewed some information on operational security in my squad. Most of the guys were looking at me when we went over the material. Reason being was because I have a blog. Some of the other guys wanted to set up their website as well, but they’re not too sure how to go about it.

Operational security was just another reminder that I have to watch what I post on this website. It was mentioned that most of the intelligence doesn’t come from classified information but from information that is obtained from the public. I kind of figured that. There is lots of information out on the Internet for anyone that wants to look for it and that information could jeopardize our mission. So, I have to make sure I watch what I post on my blog site. I’ll have to keep things general and I’ll post more on me and my buddies than on my equipment and unit.

We’re starting to pack. I don’t know why, we still have some time here. We started labeling our Job Boxes too. Those things are cool. They’re really big, mobile, boxes that we use to put our personal belongings into. Some of the guys put their labeled their stuff with no concern for neatness. Me on the other hand, being a perfectionist, had to make my box look good.

You know I'd like to be on the Top 100 of Milblogs.com. It's not a hard feat right now since there isn't too much competition. It would get my site more attention and more hits, which would be pretty cool. So, I'm asking you to go ahead and go over to www.milblogging.com and register. After registering you'll have to sign in, and click on Add to Favorites while viewing the milblog on Millblogging.com. You'll be able to find my listing after doing a search for Thunderhorse Roughneck. Remember, just scroll to the bottom of my listed page and click add to favorites. It should be easy for me to make the Top 100 for now. Thanks!

The NCO Creed
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as "The Backbone of the Army". I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind -- accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!

If you've ever seen the movie Scent of a Woman starring Al Pacino you've might have heard his character, Army Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade say Hoo-ah a lot. It's a word we use in the Army all the time. Below is the definition.